Maintenance Technician

Open Gates Group is a family of companies located near Kalona, IA. We care about our employees and take pride in our community. To help our community's farmers, we built a creamery and then 11 other food industry-related businesses. Today, we help source, produce, sell & transport Midwestern products to 3,500 stores nationwide. Our dairy products are minimally processed and come straight from Midwest family farms surrounding our creameries. We are currently hiring a 1st shift Maintenance Technician to support dairy/food manufacturing efforts.

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the timely repair and preventative maintenance of industrial plant equipment such as filling machines, pasteurizers, motors, pumps, boilers, compressors, and conveying equipment.

What you will do:

• Perform general mechanical and limited electrical repair, modification and maintenance of production machinery and equipment.
• Inspect and measure parts to detect wear, misalignment or other problems.
• Realign and adjust functional components and control instruments.
• Start machine and equipment to test operation following repairs.
• Repair electrical equipment and broken parts.
• Weld equipment and parts as needed.
• Read and understand schematic flowcharts and technical manuals.
• Complete all required paperwork and perform preventative maintenance as required.
• Perform installation and setup of new production machinery.
• Perform scheduled safety inspections and preventive maintenance on specified items.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of maintenance records, work orders and task records.
• Comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Comply with federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Work together with co-workers and other company personnel, while consistently and genuinely demonstrating principles of customer service and teamwork.
• Perform related duties as required.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Clean driving record and the ability to drive between local buildings.
• Experience in troubleshooting mechanical breakdowns within manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of boilers, compressors, welding, and refrigeration systems is strongly desired.
• Self-motivated and able to multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to read chemical labels and follow safe handling procedures for food-grade products.
• Able to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Able to routinely lift up to 60 lbs., work from ladders, squat, bend, and kneel.
• Able to work in hot and cold climates, both indoors and outdoors.
• Team-oriented with a sense of urgency and focus on working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Good attitude with high integrity and alignment with our mission, vision, values & operating principles.

Our Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, STD & LTD, and matching 401k after 60 days of employment.
• Benefit Bonus/Stipend
• Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), & Birthday PTO
• Opportunity for advancement!
• Discounted employee purchases!
• Unique, entrepreneurial culture!